Delhi's government announced on Monday plans to eventually ban petrol scooters, motorbikes, and autorickshaws in favor of electric vehicles, aiming to reduce dangerously high pollution levels. The policy will phase out new petrol and gas scooters, trucks, and buses over the next two years, with new licence plates for electric small trucks and three-wheelers from 2027, and for e-scooters and electric motorbikes from 2028.
Impact on Air Pollution
Transport has been one of the highest contributors to Delhi's air pollution, which is consistently at levels dangerous to human health and linked to tens of thousands of deaths annually. Vehicle emissions account for an average of 23% of pollutants in the air, making it the largest single source, especially during winter when thick smog cloaks the city. Scooters and rickshaws, which largely run on petrol and compressed fossil gas, make up over two-thirds of the tens of millions of vehicles on Delhi's roads.
The Delhi government hopes the move will lead to electrification of at least 30% of the capital's vehicle fleet by 2030. "The policy focuses on pure EVs, which offer superior environmental benefits as zero-emission vehicles," the government said in a statement.
Reactions from Experts and Drivers
Amit Bhatt, managing director of the International Council on Clean Transportation, called the proposed phaseout "a gamechanger in Delhi's fight against air pollution." He emphasized that accelerating the transition to zero-emission vehicles can significantly reduce vehicular emissions, improve public health, and pave the way for broader zero-emission transport across all vehicle segments.
Vikas Nimesh, assistant professor at the School of Public Policy at IIT Delhi, also used the term "gamechanger," noting the rapid expansion of affordable Indian electric vehicles and Delhi's position as India's largest EV market. He expressed optimism that the policy would spur manufacturers to invest in new green technology and produce more EV models, increasing consumer choice and competition.
However, many auto-rickshaw drivers remain skeptical. Rajesh Gopi, 37, parked in Connaught Place, voiced concerns about the transition within two years. "I have heard that e-rickshaws need charging a lot and can't travel as far as we can on gas," he said. "If I have to wait one or two hours every day for charging, that's lost income for me. I also don't know how to maintain an e-rickshaw or stop the batteries getting stolen." He conceded that pollution is unbearable for drivers but hoped they would not bear the cost.
Policy Incentives and Criticisms
The policy includes significant road and vehicle tax exemptions for new electric cars to incentivize drivers to switch voluntarily. However, some critics argue that two years is too short to phase out new petrol scooters and rickshaws and ensure sufficient consumer choice. Others, like environmentalist Bhavreen Kandhari, stress the need for a broader focus beyond private vehicles. "More cars on the road is not a solution," she said. "To reduce traffic jams and dust, the government should work on improving public transport and last-mile connectivity with green solutions. This EV policy falls short on that aspect."
Delhi's metro system, while substantial, is often criticized for lack of connectivity across the vast city, keeping people reliant on rickshaws and scooters for last-mile travel. The government has pledged to establish more than 30,000 public charging points across the capital to address range anxiety.
